The Insight Garden Program has expanded its planting and growing from H-Unit to San Quentin’s main yard. During this process the program has changed its name to Land Together.

“Land Together, formerly Insight Garden Program, changed our name in 2025 to reflect the vast array of services we offer inside and for reentry,” said San Quentin IGP Program Manager Isa Pena. 

Land Together’s new garden is located adjacent to the ARC trailer where the prison canteen has been relocated. All residents of San Quentin are welcome to visit and learn what it means to rehabilitate through gardening.

Resident Angelo “Guido” Ceccato has been a part of Land Together for over three years since being in Avenal State Prison. 

“I believe all should have access to the garden. This program opens your eyes to not just gardening but your change,” Ceccato said.

Andrew Winn, the program director, was formerly incarcerated; he has worked in that position since 2021 and is responsible for the name change.

Land Together has been trying to expand to the Lower Yard for at least a year. Previously they were exclusively in H-Unit. Volunteers for Land Together expressed a lot of joy and gratitude for coming here and working with residents.

”I’ve been working with incarcerated people for four years, and I think that the incarcerated are not treated humanely and justly,” said volunteer Lena. “We need to change the way we treat incarcerated people. Change the way we see justice.”

According to SQ resident Johnny Rodriquez, the garden gives new life to the yard, with the hopes of producing fruit. He has learned how to build a foundation using plants and soil.

“I’m learning how to sow seeds and build a relationship with people by nurturing a garden,” said Rodriquez. “I want the volunteers to know that they do a lot for us that they don’t see and I want that for other incarcerated people.”

Land Together is looking to deepen their work at San Quentin and to create an atmosphere that caters to wellness for residents and staff.

According to Pena, some of the correctional staff are interested in creating a green workspace to contribute to the overall wellness. “Captain Hemmerling is our biggest supporter,” he said.

Land Together also has programs at other prisons such as the California Medical Facility, CSP-Solano, CSP-Lancaster, Mule Creek State Prison, Avenal State Prison and California Correctional Women’s Facility. 

According to volunteer Amanda Berger, the best mission of the program is to provide a space where SQ residents can deal with issues such as depression and anxiety.